Carton and blank therefor

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more articles, a blank for forming the carton. The carton comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises a top end closure flap (30a) having a handle opening (H1), a first side end closure flap (26a) and a web panel (28a). The web panel couples the top end closure flap to the first side end closure flap. The web panel is hingedly connected to the first side end closure flap along a first fold line (49a). The web panel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge (87a) which extends along at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded into position between the top and first side end closure flaps.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming thesame. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to acarrier of the wrap-around type having an end closure structure forretention of an article therein.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carryingmultiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful forenabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articlesfor consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartonsor carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible andcause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed aspossible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and itssuitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. Itis desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within thecarton.

It is well known to provide article carriers or cartons in which an endclosure structure is provided to retain an article within the carton.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field ofcartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packagingarticles. The carton comprises a plurality of primary panels for forminga tubular structure and an end closure structure for at least partiallyclosing an end of the tubular structure. The end closure structurecomprises a top end closure flap having a handle opening, a first sideend closure flap and a web panel. The web panel couples the top endclosure flap to the first side end closure flap. The web panel ishingedly connected to the first side end closure flap along a first foldline. The web panel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge which extendsalong at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening when theweb panel is folded into position between the top and first side endclosure flaps. The handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end ofthe first fold line.

Optionally, a distal end of the first fold line is located on theengaging edge of the handle opening.

Optionally, a lower end of the first fold line is located at theengaging edge of the handle opening.

Optionally, the first fold line is disposed at an acute angle withrespect to a second fold line between the top end closure flap and thetop panel when the carton is erected.

Optionally, the engaging edge provides a load-bearing contact when thecarrying handle is in use.

Optionally, the engaging edge of the handle opening is defined by atleast one handle flap fold line defining a hinged connection between acushioning flap and the top end closure flap.

Optionally, the end closure structure comprises a second side endclosure flap and a second web panel coupling the top end closure flap tothe second side end closure flap, wherein the second web panel ishingedly connected to the second side end closure flap along a thirdfold line, and wherein the second web panel comprises a secondhandle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part of theengaging edge of the handle opening when the second web panel is foldedinto position between the top and second side end closure flaps andwherein the second handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end ofthe third fold line.

Optionally, the engaging edge of the handle opening is defined in partby a first handle flap fold line coupling a first handle flap to the topend closure flap and in part by a second handle flap fold line couplinga second handle flap to the top end closure flap.

Optionally, the handle-reinforcing edge is defined in part by a firsthandle reinforcing flap fold line defining a hinged connection between afirst handle reinforcing flap and the first side end closure flap.

Optionally, the handle-reinforcing edge is defined in part by a secondhandle reinforcing flap fold line defining a hinged connection between asecond handle reinforcing flap and the second side end closure flap.

Optionally, the first side end closure flap comprises a handlereinforcing flap hinged thereto by a handle reinforcing flap fold line.

Optionally, the second side end closure flap comprises a second handlereinforcing flap hinged thereto by a second handle reinforcing flap foldline.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank comprising a pluralityof primary panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and aplurality of end closure panels for forming an end closure structure forat least partially closing an end of the tubular structure. Theplurality of end closure panels comprises a top end closure panel havinga handle opening, a first side end closure panel and a web panel forcoupling the top end closure panel to the first side end closure panel.The web panel is arranged to be hingedly connected, along a first foldline, to the first side end closure panel in a set-up carton. The webpanel comprises a handle-reinforcing edge. In a set-up carton thehandle-reinforcing edge is arranged to extend along at least part of anengaging edge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded intoposition between the top and first side end closure panels. Thehandle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end of the first foldline.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the variousaspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in thepreceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following descriptionand drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof.For example, features described in connection with one embodiment areapplicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility offeatures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a first embodiment;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged plan view from above of a portion of the blank ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of an end of a carton formedfrom the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 illustrating astage of assembly of an end closure structure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 illustrating acarrying handle in deployed condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end portion of the carton of FIG. 2in which a portion of a top end closure flap has been omitted forillustrative purposes;

FIG. 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an internal view of an end closure structure of a cartonformed from the blank of FIG. 7 in which a handle is shown in a deployedcondition; and

FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of the handle structure shown in FIG. 7 in astowed or initial, pre-deployment, condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks andcartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects ofthe invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive listof all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, theword “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serveas illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will beunderstood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may beembodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are notnecessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimisedto show details of particular components. Well-known components,materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail inorder to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1 and to FIG. 1A, there is shown a plan view of ablank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in FIG. 2,for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but notlimited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B. Theblank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primaryproduct container B or package B.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier”refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various featuresof the invention, to a container 90 for engaging and carrying articlesB, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that theteachings of the invention can be applied to various product containersB, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplarycontainers include bottles B (for example metallic, glass or plasticsbottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets andthe like.

The blank 10 is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to beunderstood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includesall manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugatedboard, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It shouldbe recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, wheresuitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described inmore detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons 90 described herein may be formedfrom a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coatedwith materials to increase its strength.

An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK®paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tearresistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to helpimprove the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface ofthe sheet material may have different characteristics to the othersurface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that facesoutwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and mayhave a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment toprovide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that facesinwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, atreatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one ormore of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or otherdesired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form acarton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplaryarticles B. In the embodiment illustrated the arrangement is a 4×2matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment two rows of four articlesB are provided, and the articles B are 16 oz (approx. 473 ml) aluminiumbottles. Alternatively, the blank 10 can be configured to form a carrierfor packaging other types, number and size of articles B and/or forpackaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration.

The present disclosure relates generally to a carton 90 for packagingarticles B which carton 90 comprises an article engaging arrangement forengaging an article B, however said article engaging arrangement isoptional. The carton 90 may comprise at least one display window forpresentation of an article B. The embodiments described herein maycomprise a viewing window arrangement or display window W struck from aside wall 14 a/14 b of the carton 90. The display window W presents forview a substantial portion of an article B contained within the carton90 which is disposed adjacent to the side wall 14 a/14 b. Theembodiments described herein also disclose an optional viewing windowarrangement or display window DW2 in at least one end wall.

Turning to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton90 according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a pluralityof main panels 12, 14 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20 for forming a tubularstructure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a,20 comprises a first base panel 12, a first lower side panel 14 a, afirst upper side panel 14 b, a top panel 16, a second upper side panel18 b, a second lower side panel 18 a and a second base panel 20. Theplurality of panels 12, 14 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20 may be arrangedin a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23. The first upper side panel 14 b and the firstlower side panel 14 a form a first side wall 14 a/14 b of a carton 90.The second upper side panel 18 b and the second lower side panel 18 aform a second side wall 18 a/18 b of a carton 90.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2.The first and second base panels 12, 20 are engageable with one anotherin an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/20 ofthe carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary lockingmechanism for securing the second base panel 20 to the first base panel12. The first base panel 12 may comprise at least one first part F ofthe complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 20 maycomprise at least one second part M of the complementary lockingmechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the firstbase panel 12. The second base panel 20 comprises a plurality of maletabs M, the openings in the first base panel 12 being configured toreceive a respective one of the male tabs M. The female tabs F arearranged to be displaced out of the first base panel 12 to form theopenings and to bear against the male tabs M when received therein.

The first and second base panels 12, 20 may comprise at least one firstaperture A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and secondbase panels 12, 20 comprises four first apertures A1. The firstapertures A1 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton90. A packaging machine component may engage with the first apertures A1to enable the plurality of panels 12, 14 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20 tobe tightened about a group of articles B. The first apertures A1 mayalso be employed to facilitate alignment of the first and second basepanels 12, 20 with respect to each other or to align the first part ofthe complementary locking mechanism with the second part of thecomplementary locking mechanism. The complementary locking mechanismillustrated and described is entirely optional.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a first display window W formed ineach of the first upper and first lower side walls 14 b, 14 a.

The first display window W comprises an opening in each of the firstupper and first lower side walls or panels 14 b, 14 a. The opening isdefined in part by: a first displaceable tab or flap 50 a; in part by asecond displaceable tab or flap 50 b; in part by a second aperture A2struck in part from the first upper side wall 14 b and the first lowerside wall 14 a; and in part by a third aperture A3 struck from the firstupper side wall 14 b. The first and second displaceable flaps 50 a, 50 bare separated from each other in part by the second aperture A2 and inpart by a severable line in the form of a cutline. The third aperture A3defines upper edges of each of the first and second displaceable flaps50 a, 50 b. The cutline extends between the second aperture A2 and thethird aperture A3. The first and second displaceable flaps 50 a, 50 bare hinged to the first lower side panel 14 a by fold lines 51 a, 51 brespectively. The first and second displaceable flaps 50 a, 50 b arehinged to the first upper side panel 14 b by fold lines 51 c, 51 drespectively. The fold line 51 a is contiguously arranged with the foldline 51 c and the fold line 51 b is convergently arranged with respectto the fold line 51 d. The fold line 51 a and the fold line 51 c definea non-straight angle optionally, an obtuse angle of no less than 90degrees, therebetween; in other embodiments they may define an obliqueangle, therebetween. The fold line 51 b is contiguously arranged withthe fold line 51 d and the fold line 51 b is convergently arranged withrespect to the fold line 51 d. The fold line 51 b and the fold line 51 ddefine an obtuse or oblique angle therebetween.

The first and second displaceable flaps 50 a, 50 b are hingedlyconnected to the first upper and first lower side walls 14 b, 14 a andare positioned opposite to one another.

In this way the fold lines 51 a/51 c and the fold lines 51 b/51 d, formnon-linear hinged connections between a respective one of thedisplaceable tabs 50 a, 50 b and the first side wall 14 a/14 b asillustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1. In other embodiments the foldlines may be curvilinear or arcuate or may be comprised of two or morelinear portions arranged contiguously and divergently with respect toeach other.

When the tabs 50 a, 50 b are displaced to display an article B, each ofthe non-linear hinged connections 51 a/51 c, 51 b/51 d increases thetendency of the respective displaceable tab 50 a, 50 b to return to itsoriginal, unfolded, planar position. In this way the tabs 50 a, 50 b,when displaced, are encouraged or biased towards the article B displayedwithin the window W. The tabs 50 a, 50 b form a frame about thedisplayed article B and may at least partially separate the displayedarticle B from adjacent articles B in the row of articles B proximatethe first side panel 14 a/14 b. The tabs 50 a, 50 b may at leastpartially conceal aforesaid adjacent articles B.

The blank 10 comprises at least one end closure structure for at leastpartially closing an end of a tubular structure defined by the pluralityof panels 12, 14 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20.

In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is provided forat least partially closing each end of the tubular structure.

Each of the end closure structures may comprise or define a seconddisplay window DW2 (see FIG. 2) for the display of one or more articlesB disposed adjacent thereto. In other embodiments, one of the seconddisplay windows DW2 may be omitted such that a display window isprovided at only one end of the tubular structure; in still otherembodiments both the second display windows DW2 may be omitted.

The blank 10 comprises a first end closure structure comprising aplurality of end closure panels 24 a, 26 a, 28 a, 30 a, 30 c, 32 a, 34a, 36 a, 38 a, 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 50 a.

The first end closure structure comprises a first upper top end closureflap 30 a, hingedly connected to the top panel 16 by a fold line 31 a. Afirst lower top end closure flap 30 c is hingedly connected to the firstupper top end closure flap 30 a by a hinged connection in the form of afold line 57 a. The first upper top end closure flap 30 a and the firstlower top end closure flap 30 c together form or define a first top endclosure flap 30 a/30 c. The first upper top end closure flap 30 a formsa proximal portion of the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c disposedadjacent to the top panel 16. The first lower top end closure flap 30 cforms a distal glue flap portion of the first top end closure flap 30a/30 c.

The first end closure structure comprises a first upper side end closureflap 26 a coupled to the first upper side panel 14 b.

Optionally, a first web panel 28 a is hingedly connected to the firstupper top end closure flap 30 a along a first side edge thereof by ahinged connection in the form of a fold line 55 a. The first web panel28 a may be hingedly connected to the first upper side end closure flap26 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 49 a.

The first upper side end closure flap 26 a may be coupled to the firstupper side panel 14 b by a first upper corner panel 40 a.

Optionally, the first upper side end closure flap 26 a is hingedlyconnected to the first upper corner panel 40 a by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 41 a. When the carton is in the blank form asshown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the fold line 49 a between the first web panel28 a and the first upper side end closure flap 26 a defines an obtuseangle with respect to the fold line 31 a between the top panel 16 andthe first upper top end closure flap 30 a. When the carton 90 iserected, the fold line 49 a defines an acute angle with respect to thefold line 31 a.

Optionally, the first upper corner panel 40 a is hingedly connected tothe first upper side panel 14 b by a fold line 29 a. The first uppercorner panel 40 a may be hingedly connected to the first lower sidepanel 14 a by a fold line 27 a. The fold line 27 a and the fold line 29a define a non-straight angle, optionally an obtuse angle of no lessthan 90 degrees, therebetween; in other embodiments they may define anoblique angle, therebetween. The fold line 27 a and the fold line 29 amay converge to form a vertex which meets at a first end of fold line 15between the first upper side panel 14 b and the first lower side panel14 a.

An optional relief aperture A4 is provided proximate a first corner ofthe top panel 16. The first relief aperture A4 defines a portion of thefirst side edge of the first upper top end closure flap 30 a, and formsa free side edge thereof. That is to say, said portion of the first sideedge of the first upper top end closure flap 30 a is not hinged toanother panel. The relief aperture A4 spaces the first web panel 28 afrom the first corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 spacesapart the first upper top end closure flap 30 a and the first upper sideend closure flap 26 a.

The first end closure structure may comprise a second upper side endclosure flap 34 a coupled to the second upper side panel 18 b.

Optionally, a second web panel 32 a is hingedly connected to the firstupper top end closure flap 30 a along a second side edge thereof by ahinged connection in the form of a fold line 59 a. The second side edgeof the first upper top end closure flap 30 a opposes the first side edgeof the first upper top end closure flap 30 a.

The second web panel 32 a may be hingedly connected to the second upperside end closure flap 34 a by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 71 a.

The second upper side end closure flap 34 a may be coupled to the secondupper side panel 18 b by a second upper corner panel 50 a.

Optionally, the second upper side end closure flap 34 a is hingedlyconnected to the second upper corner panel 50 a by a hinged connectionin the form of a fold line 45 a.

When the carton 90 is in the blank form as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, thefold line 71 a between the second web panel 32 a and the second upperside end closure flap 34 a defines an obtuse angle with respect to thefold line 31 a between the top panel 16 and the first upper top endclosure flap 30 a. When the carton 90 is erected, the fold line 71 adefines an acute angle with respect to the fold line 31 a.

Optionally, the second upper corner panel 50 a is hingedly connected tothe second upper side panel 18 b by a fold line 33 a. The second uppercorner panel 50 a may be hingedly connected to the second lower sidepanel 18 a by a fold line 35 a. The fold line 33 a and the fold line 35a define a non-straight angle, optionally an obtuse angle of no lessthan 90 degrees, therebetween; in other embodiments they may define anoblique angle, therebetween. The fold line 33 a and the fold line 35 amay converge to form a vertex which meets at a first end of fold line 21between the second upper side panel 18 b and the second lower side panel18 a.

An optional relief aperture A4 is provided proximate a second corner ofthe top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 defines a portion of the secondside edge of the first upper top end closure flap 30 a, and forms a freeside edge thereof. That is to say, said portion of the second side edgeof the first upper top end closure flap 30 a is not hinged to anotherpanel. The relief aperture A4 spaces the second web panel 32 a from thesecond corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 spaces apartthe first upper top end closure flap 30 a and the second upper side endclosure flap 34 a.

Optionally, in addition to the upper end closure structure describedabove, the first end closure structure also comprises a lower endclosure structure. The lower end closure structure of the first endclosure structure is now described and comprises a first lower side endclosure flap 24 a hingedly connected to a first gusset panel 42 a by ahinged connection in the form of a fold line 25 a. The first gussetpanel 42 a is hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 14 a by ahinged connection in the form of a fold line 43 a. Optionally, a secondlower side end closure flap 36 a is hinged to a second gusset panel 44 aby a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37 a. The secondgusset panel 44 a is hingedly connected to the second lower side panel18 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 47 a. Optionally,a first bottom end closure flap 38 a is hinged to the second base panel20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39 a. The firstlower side end closure flap 24 a, first gusset panel 42 a, second lowerside end closure flap 36 a, second gusset panel 44 a and first bottomend closure flap 38 a are arranged to partially close a lower region ofan open end of the tubular structure.

The blank 10 comprises a second end closure structure comprising aplurality of end closure panels 24 b, 26 b, 28 b, 30 b, 30 d, 32 b, 34b, 36 b, 38 b, 40 b, 42 b, 44 b, 50 b.

The second end closure structure also comprises an upper end closurestructure and a lower end closure structure. The second upper endclosure structure will now be described and it comprises a second uppertop end closure flap 30 b, hingedly connected to the top panel 16 by afold line 31 b. A second lower top end closure flap 30 d is hingedlyconnected to the second upper top end closure flap 30 b by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 57 b. The second upper top endclosure flap 30 b and the second lower top end closure flap 30 dtogether form or define a second top end closure flap 30 b/30 d. Thesecond upper top end closure flap 30 b forms a proximal portion of thesecond top end closure flap 30 d/30 d disposed adjacent to the top panel16. The second lower top end closure flap 30 d forms a distal glue flapportion of the second top end closure flap 30 b/30 b.

The second upper end closure structure comprises a third upper side endclosure flap 26 b coupled to the first upper side panel 14 b.

Optionally, a third web panel 28 b is hingedly connected to the secondupper top end closure flap 30 b along a first side edge thereof by ahinged connection in the form of a fold line 55 b. The third web panel28 b may be hingedly connected to the third upper side end closure flap26 b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 49 b.

The third upper side end closure flap 26 b may be coupled to the firstupper side panel 14 b by a third upper corner panel 40 b.

Optionally, the third upper side end closure flap 26 b is hingedlyconnected to the third upper corner panel 40 b by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 41 b.

When the carton 90 is in the blank form 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A,the fold line 49 b between the third web panel 28 b and the third upperside end closure flap 26 b defines an obtuse angle with respect to thefold line 31 b between the top panel 16 and the upper top end closureflap 30 b. When the carton 90 is erected as shown in FIG. 2, the foldline 49 b defines an acute angle with respect to the fold line 31 b.

Optionally, the third upper corner panel 40 b is hingedly connected tothe first upper side panel 14 b by a fold line 29 b. The third uppercorner panel 40 b may be hingedly connected to the first lower sidepanel 14 a by a fold line 27 b. The fold line 27 b and the fold line 29b define a non-straight angle, optionally an obtuse angle of no lessthan 90 degrees, therebetween; in other embodiments they may define anoblique angle, therebetween. The fold line 27 b and the fold line 29 bmay converge to form a vertex which meets at a second end of fold line15 between the first upper side panel 14 b and the first lower sidepanel 14 a.

An optional relief aperture A4 is provided proximate a third corner ofthe top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 defines a portion of the firstside edge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b, and forms afree side edge thereof. That is to say, said portion of the first sideedge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b is not hinged toanother panel. The relief aperture A4 spaces the third web panel 28 bfrom the third corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 spacesapart the third upper top end closure flap 30 b and the third upper sideend closure flap 26 b.

The second end closure structure may comprise a fourth upper side endclosure flap 34 b coupled to the second upper side panel 18 b.

Optionally, a fourth web panel 32 b is hingedly connected to the secondupper top end closure flap 30 b along a second side edge thereof by ahinged connection in the form of a fold line 59 b. The second side edgeof the second upper top end closure flap 30 b opposes the first sideedge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b.

The fourth web panel 32 b may be hingedly connected to the fourth upperside end closure flap 34 b by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 71 b.

The fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b may be coupled to the secondupper side panel 18 b by a fourth upper corner panel 50 b.

Optionally, the fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b is hingedlyconnected to the fourth upper corner panel 50 b by a hinged connectionin the form of a fold line 45 b.

When the carton 90 is in the blank form 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A,the fold line 71 b between the fourth web panel 32 b and the fourthupper side end closure flap 34 b defines an obtuse angle with respect tothe fold line 31 b between the top panel 16 and the upper top endclosure flap 30 b. When the carton 90 is erected as shown in FIG. 2, thefold line 71 b defines an acute angle with respect to the fold line 31b.

Optionally, the fourth upper corner panel 50 b is hingedly connected tothe second upper side panel 18 b by a fold line 33 b. The fourth uppercorner panel 50 b may be hingedly connected to the second lower sidepanel 18 a by a fold line 35 b. The fold line 33 a and the fold line 35b define a non-straight angle, optionally an obtuse angle of no lessthan 90 degrees, therebetween; in other embodiments they may define anoblique angle, therebetween. The fold line 33 b and the fold line 35 bmay converge to form a vertex which meets at a second end of fold line21 between the second upper side panel 18 b and the second lower sidepanel 18 a.

An optional relief aperture A4 is provided proximate a fourth corner ofthe top panel 16. The relief aperture A4 defines a portion of the secondside edge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b, and forms afree side edge thereof. That is to say, said portion of the second sideedge of the second upper top end closure flap 30 b is not hinged toanother panel. The relief aperture A4 spaces the fourth web panel 32 bfrom the fourth corner of the top panel 16. The relief aperture A4spaces apart the second upper top end closure flap 30 b and the fourthupper side end closure flap 34 b.

Optionally, the second end closure structure comprises a third lowerside end closure flap 24 b hingedly connected to a third gusset panel 42b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25 b. The thirdgusset panel 42 b is hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 14a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43 b. Optionally, afourth lower side end closure flap 36 b is hinged to a fourth gussetpanel 44 b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 37 b. Thefourth gusset panel 44 b is hingedly connected to the second lower sidepanel 18 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 47 b.Optionally, a second bottom end closure flap 38 b is hinged to thesecond base panel 20, along a second end edge thereof, by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 39 b. The third lower side endclosure flap 24 b, third gusset panel 42 b, fourth lower side endclosure flap 36 b, fourth gusset panel 44 b and second bottom endclosure flap 38 b are arranged to partially close a lower region of anopen end of the tubular structure.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the first upper side end closure flap 26 acomprises a main body portion and a lower limb portion 80 a extendingtherefrom. The lower limb portion 80 a defines in part a recess orcutaway 82 a.

The first web panel 28 a comprises or defines a recesses or contouredfree edge 87 a. The contoured free edge 87 a extends between a distalend of the fold line 49 a and a distal end of the fold line 55 a. Thecontoured free edge 87 a is shaped complementary to a portion of thehandle opening O in the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c.

The lower limb portion 80 a comprises a projection or lobe 83 aextending toward or into the recess or cutaway 82 a. The projection orlobe 83 a defines at least in part an upper free edge of the lower limbportion 80 a.

The second upper side end closure flap 34 a, when provided, comprises amain body portion and a lower limb portion 96 a extending therefrom. Thelower limb portion 96 a defines in part a recess or cutaway 94 a.

The second web panel 32 a comprises or defines a recesses or contouredfree edge 99 a. The contoured free edge 99 a extends between a distalend of the fold line 71 a and a distal end of the fold line 59 a. Thecontoured free edge 99 a is shaped complementary to a portion of thehandle opening O in the first top end closure flap 30 a/30 c.

The lower limb portion 96 a comprises a projection or lobe 95 aextending toward or into the recess or cutaway 94 a. The projection orlobe 95 a defines at least in part an upper free edge of the lower limbportion 96 a.

The third upper side end closure flap 26 b, when provided, comprises amain body portion and a lower limb portion 80 b extending therefrom. Thelower limb portion 80 b defines in part a recess or cutaway 82 b.

The third web panel 28 b comprises or defines a recesses or contouredfree edge 87 b. The contoured free edge 87 b extends between a distalend of the fold line 49 b and a distal end of the fold line 55 b. Thecontoured free edge 87 b is shaped complementary to a portion of thehandle opening O in the second top end closure flap 30 b/30 d.

The lower limb portion 80 b comprises a projection or lobe 83 bextending toward or into the recess or cutaway 82 b. The projection orlobe 83 b defines at least in part an upper free edge of the lower limbportion 80 b.

The fourth upper side end closure flap 34 b, when provided, comprises amain body portion and a lower limb portion 96 b extending therefrom. Thelower limb portion 96 b defines in part a recess or cutaway 94 btherebetween.

The fourth web panel 32 b comprises or defines a recesses or contouredfree edge 99 b. The contoured free edge 99 b extends between a distalend of the fold line 71 b and a distal end of the fold line 59 b. Thecontoured free edge 99 b is shaped complementary to a portion of thehandle opening O in the second top end closure flap 30 b/30 d.

The lower limb portion 96 b comprises a projection or lobe 95 bextending toward or into the recess or cutaway 94 b. The projection orlobe 95 b defines at least in part an upper free edge of the lower limbportion 96 b.

The blank 10 comprises a carrying handle structure H1, H2 in each of thefirst and second top end closure flaps 30 a/30 c, 30 b/30 drespectively. The carrying handle structures H1, H2 may be employed by auser to carry the carton 90. The first top end closure flap 30 acomprises a carrying handle structure H1 having a handle opening definedat least in part by a handle flap 60 struck, at least in part, from thefirst top end closure flap 30 a. The handle flap 60 is hinged to thefirst top end closure flap 30 a by a hinged connection in the form of afold line 61. The handle flap 60 comprises a pair of fold lines 63, 65extending from the fold line 61 to an opposing side edge of the handleflap 60 so as to define a pair of foldable end portions 62, 64. The pairof fold lines 63, 65 are arranged so as to diverge towards the fold line61. The handle flap 60, including the end portions 62, 64 is struck inpart from the first upper top end closure flap 30 a and in part from thefirst lower top end closure flap 30 c. In this way the handle flap 60and therefore the handle opening interrupt the fold line 57 a hingingthe first lower top end closure flap 30 c to the first upper top endclosure flap 30 a.

Optionally, the handle flap 60 comprises a tongue 67 extending from, anddefining, a portion of the opposing side edge. The tongue 67 defines arecessed or cutaway portion of the handle opening.

The first lower top end closure flap 30 c (also referred to as distalglue flap 30 c) may be hingedly connected to the first upper top endclosure flap 30 a (also referred to as proximal portion 30 a of thefirst top end closure flap 30 a/30 c) along a glue flap fold line 57 a.The handle flap 60 may be hingedly connected to the first upper top endclosure flap 30 a along a handle flap fold line 61 in FIG. 1A. Thehandle flap fold line 61 may be disposed at a higher elevation than theglue flap fold line 57 a. In other words the handle flap fold line 61may be disposed closer to fold line 31 a (connecting the first upper topend closure flap 30 a to the top panel 16) than the glue flap fold line57 a.

The web panel 28 a may interconnect the first side end closure flap 26 aand first upper top end closure flap 30 a or proximal portion of thefirst top end closure flap 30 a/30 c. The web panel 32 a mayinterconnect the second side end closure flap 34 a and first upper topend closure flap 30 a or proximal portion of the first top end closureflap 30 a/30 c.

The web panel 28 a may be hingedly connected to the first upper top endclosure flap 30 a or proximal portion of the first top end closure flap30 a/30 c along a first web fold line 55 a; such that a lower end of thefirst web fold line 55 a is disposed proximate the glue flap fold line57 a.

The web panel 32 a may be hingedly connected to the first upper top endclosure flap 30 a or proximal portion of the first top end closure flap30 a/30 c along a second web fold line 59 a; such that a lower end ofthe second web fold line 59 a is disposed proximate the glue flap foldline 57 a.

The handle flap 60 may be coupled to the first upper top end closureflap 30 a or proximal portion 30 a and be separate or separable from thedistal glue flap 30 c.

The handle flap 60 may be severably connected or coupled to the firstupper top end closure flap 30 a or the proximal portion 30 a by at leastone nick 2 such that the at least one nick 2 is intact when the firstlower top end closure flap 30 c or distal glue flap 30 c is folded outof an end-closing position about the glue flap fold line 57 a.

The handle structure H1 may comprise two or more nicks 2 which aredisposed along opposite side edges of the handle flap 60.

The second top end closure flap 30 b also, optionally, comprises acarrying handle structure H2 which is substantially the same inconstruction as the first carrying handle structure H1 and will not bedescribed in further detail.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a dispensing or access feature A (seeFIG. 1) for facilitating access to the contents of the carton 90. Theaccess feature A comprises an access panel struck in part from the toppanel 16, in part from the second upper side panel 18 b, and in partfrom the second lower side panel 18 a. The access panel A is defined bya weakened line of severance 53 formed as a continuous loop such thatthe access panel A is at least partially severable from the carton 90.The access feature A may comprise a tear initiation feature I comprisinga pair of tabs T1, T2 hingedly connected to the second lower side panel18 a by respective fold lines and defined by a outline interrupted byconnecting portions or nicks so as to be readily severable. The tearinitiation feature I defines a finger opening to enable engagement withthe access panel A for removal thereof.

The first corner panel 40 a comprises a first lower free end edge. Thesecond corner panel 50 a comprises a second lower free end edge. Thethird corner panel 40 b comprises a third lower free end edge. Thefourth corner panel 50 b comprises a fourth lower free end edge.

The first corner panel 40 a terminates at the first lower free end edge.The first lower free end edge is distal from the first lower side endclosure flap 24 a, such that the first lower side panel 14 a comprises afirst free edge portion. That is to say, a portion of a first side edgeof the first lower side panel 14 a is free from any hinged connection tothe panels of the first side end closure structure.

The second lower corner panel 50 a terminates at the second lower freeend edge. The second lower free end edge is distal from the second lowerside end closure flap 36 a, such that the second lower side panel 18 acomprises a first free edge portion. That is to say, a portion of afirst side edge of the second lower side panel 18 a is free from anyhinged connection to the panels of the second end closure structure.

The third corner panel 40 b terminates at the third lower free end edge.The third lower free end edge is distal from the third lower side endclosure flap 24 b, such that the first lower side panel 14 a comprises asecond free edge portion, that is to say a portion of a second side edgeof the first lower side panel 14 a is free from any hinged connection tothe panels of the first side end closure structure.

The fourth lower corner panel 50 b terminates at the fourth lower freeend edge. The fourth lower free end edge is distal from the fourth lowerside end closure flap 36 b, such that the second lower side panel 18 acomprises a second free edge portion. That is to say, a portion of asecond side edge of the second lower side panel 18 a is free from anyhinged connection to the panels of the second end closure structure.

The top panel 16 comprises a first length dimension extending betweenfold lines 31 a, 31 b. The first and second base panels 12, 20 comprisea second length dimension extending between free end edges of the firstbase panel 12 or between fold lines 39 a, 39 b. The second lengthdimension may be greater than the first length dimension.

The top panel 16 comprises a first width dimension extending betweenfold lines 17, 19. The second base panel 20 comprises a second widthdimension. The second width dimension may be greater than the firstwidth dimension. In some embodiments, the second width dimension may bedefined by both the first and second base panels 12, 20, and may beequivalent to the sum of the widths of the first and second base panels12, 20 minus the width of a region of overlap between the first andsecond base panels 12, 20.

Returning to FIG. 1, the blank 10 may comprise an orientation adjustmentdevice for enabling adjustment of the orientation of an article B.

The orientation adjustment device is arranged such that the article Bdisplayed in the first display window W in the first side wall 14 a/14 bcan be controlled or adjusted. It will be appreciated that theorientation adjustment device may be located such that one or botharticles B presented in one or both of the second display windows DW2 inthe end walls of the carton 90 can also be controlled or adjusted.

The orientation adjustment device comprises first cutaway or opening inthe form of a lower aperture A5 provided in at least one of the firstand second base panels 12, 20. In the illustrated embodiment the loweraperture A5 is provided in the first base panel 12.

In other embodiments the lower aperture A5 may be provided in the secondbase panel 20 or in part in each of the first and second base panels 12,20.

The lower aperture A5 is arranged to be in vertical registry with thearticle B which is disposed in the first display window W.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower aperture A5 is arranged to bevertically aligned substantially with the first display window W.

The lower aperture A5 may be shaped so as to comprise a “V” or “U”shaped cutaway portion which provides an alignment or assembly guide.This cutaway portion may be engaged by a tool (not shown), for exampleof a packaging machine. The cutaway portion may facilitate alignment ofthe first base panel 12 with the second base panel 20 when the carton 90is assembled about a group of articles B. Additionally, oralternatively, the cutaway portion may facilitate tightening or wrappingof the carton 90 about the group of articles B. It may facilitatepulling the first base panel 12 towards the second side panel 18 a/18 bso as to increase the degree of overlap between the first and secondbase panels 12, 20 such that the complementary locking mechanism may beemployed.

The orientation adjustment device comprises a second cutaway or openingin the form of an upper aperture A6 provided at least in part in the toppanel 16. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the upper aperture A6 is providedin part in the top panel 16 and in part in the first upper side panel 14b. Extending the aperture A6 into the the first upper side panel 14 bmay facilitate folding the top panel 16 with respect to the first upperside panel 14 b along the fold line 17.

In other embodiments, the upper aperture A6 may be provided solely inthe top panel 16, so as to be struck from only material that wouldotherwise have formed the top panel 16. Such an arrangement may beadvantageous when the article B is returned or lowered to a restposition within the interior chamber of the carton 90.

In such alternative embodiments, a front or outer edge of the upperaperture A6 is provided by the top panel 16 and therefore is orientedhorizontally or perpendicularly with respect to a direction of travel ofthe article B as it moves, or descends, into the carton 90. This mayreduce the likelihood of a portion of the article B, such as a flange orcap or other closure, from being caught or snagged upon materialdefining an edge of the upper aperture A6.

The upper aperture A6 is arranged to be in vertical registry with theupper end of the article B which is disposed in the display window W.The upper aperture A6 is dimensioned such that an upper portion of saidarticle B can pass through the top panel 16.

The upper aperture A6 is arranged to be vertically aligned with thefirst display window W.

The upper aperture A6 may be dimensioned so as to be smaller than ashoulder portion of the article B. In this way an upper end portion ofthe article B may pass through the upper aperture A6 but is preventedfrom being fully withdrawn through the upper aperture A6. When thearticle B is a bottle, the “finish”, and at least some of the “neck”,may be positioned externally of the carton 90. The “shoulder”, “body”and “heel” of the article B, being retainable within the carton 90.

In embodiments having a dispensing or access feature A the upperaperture A6 may interrupt the weakened line of severance 53. The upperaperture A6 may also, optionally, serve to facilitate removal of theaccess panel A.

The first display window W defines a notional centre axis perpendicularto the fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, which hingedly connect theplurality of panels 12, 14 a, 14 b, 16, 18 b, 18 a, 20 in series. Theblank 10 is arranged such that the upper aperture A6 is aligned with thefirst display window W along the notional centre axis.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2,the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operationsin a straight line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to berotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process isnot limited to that described below and may be altered according toparticular manufacturing requirements.

A group of articles B is assembled; in the preferred embodiment eightarticles B are arranged in a 4×2 array. The top panel 16 of the blank 10is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall 16 ofthe carton 90.

The window panels 50 a, 50 b (when present) are folded inwardly of thecarton 90 either prior to or simultaneously with the first and secondside walls 14 a/14 b, 18 a/18 b being folded about the fold lines 17, 19so as to be disposed on opposing sides of the group of articles B. Thewindow panels 50 a, 50 b are disposed such that they are interposedbetween a pair of adjacent articles B. Folding the window panels 50 a,50 b in this manner warps the corresponding one of the first or secondside walls 14 a/14 b, 18 a/18 b to which they are attached due to thenon-linear nature of the fold lines 51 a, 51 b, 51 c, 51 d connectingthe window panels 50 a, 50 a to the first side wall 14 a/14 b. Thewarping of the first side wall 14 a/14 b urges the window panels 50 a,50 b against the article B.

Once the first and second sidewalls 14 a/14 b, 18 a/18 b are foldedabout the opposing sides of the group of articles B; the first basepanel 12 is folded about the fold line 13 so as to be disposed adjacentthe base of the group of articles B. The second base panel 20 is thenfolded about the fold line 23 so as to be in at least partialoverlapping relationship with the first base panel 12. The first andsecond base panels 12, 20 are secured together. Each of the male tabs Mis displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 20. Inso doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly creating acorresponding opening in the first base panel. The male tabs M arereceived in respective ones of the openings so as to lock the first andsecond base panels 12, 20 together. In this way a tubular structure isformed about the group of articles B.

In some embodiments, the blank 10 may be formed into a tubular structureand subsequently loaded with articles B through at least one open endthereof.

The first and second end closure structures are folded about the openends of the tubular structure. The folding sequence for each of thefirst and second end closure structures is substantially the same andwill be described in more detail by reference to the second end closurestructure only as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b and thethird and fourth corner panels 40 b, 50 b (when present) are foldedabout the fold lines 27 b, 29 b, 41 b, 33 b, 35 b, 45 b so as topartially close the second open end of the tubular structure.

As a consequence of folding third and fourth upper side end closureflaps 26 b, 34 b and the third and fourth corner panels 40 b, 50 binwardly about the fold lines 27 b, 29 b, 41 b, 33 b, 35 b, 45 b thesecond top end closure flap 30 b,30 d is folded downwardly.

The third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b are foldedinwardly so as to be brought into close proximity or contact with theendmost articles B in the carton 90. The third web panel 28 b and thefourth web panel 32 b are folded into face to face relationship with therespective one of third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34b, such that a first surface of each of the third and fourth web panels28 b, 32 b faces a first surface of the respective one of the third andfourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b, best illustrated in FIG.5.

The contoured edge 87 b of the third web panel 28 b is disposed inregistry or alignment with an upper edge of the recess 82 b in the thirdupper side end closure flap 26 b. The contoured edge 87 b of the thirdweb panel 28 b is disposed in registry or in close proximity to an upperedge portion of the handle opening O in the second top end closure flap30 b/30 d.

In this way the third web panel 28 b provides a handle reinforcingmember. The handle reinforcing member extends at least partially acrossan upper or engaging edge of the carrying handle H2.

The contoured edge 99 b of the fourth web panel 32 b is disposed inregistry or alignment with an upper edge of the recess 94 b in thefourth upper side end closure flap 34 b. The contoured edge 99 b of thefourth web panel 32 b is disposed in registry or in close proximity toan upper edge portion of the handle opening O in the second top endclosure flap 30 b/30 d.

In this way the fourth web panel 32 b provides a handle reinforcingmember. The handle reinforcing member extends at least partially acrossan upper or engaging edge of the carrying handle H2.

The third and fourth web panels 28 b, 32 b may be arranged such that incombination they provide a handle reinforcing member which extends fullyacross the engaging edge of the carrying handle H2.

In other embodiments the third and fourth web panels 28 b, 32 b may bearranged such that in combination they provide a handle reinforcingmember which at least partially extends across the engaging edge of thecarrying handle H2.

It will be appreciated that the sheet material from which the blank 10is formed comprises a first surface and a second surface. The firstsurface may be a coated, printed or otherwise finished surface. Thesecond surface may be an uncoated surface typically referred to in theart as a “brown side”. The folding arrangement is such that thedisposition of the respective one of the first and second surfaces ofthe sheet material provided by the third and fourth web panels 28 b, 32b is reversed in orientation with respect to the first and secondsurfaces of the sheet material provided by the top end closure panel 30b, 30 d, third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b andthird and fourth corner panels 40 b, 50 b. In other words the coated,printed or otherwise finished surface of the top end closure panel 30 b,30 d, third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b and thirdand fourth corner panels 40 b, 50 b faces outwardly of the interior ofthe carton 90 whereas the brown side of third and fourth web panels 28b, 32 b faces outwardly of the interior of the carton 90.

The second upper top end closure flap 30 b is folded downwardly suchthat a second surface thereof is brought into close proximity or contactand faces a second surface of the respective one of third and fourthupper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b.

The third and fourth web panels 28 b, 32 b are disposed between thesecond upper top end closure flap 30 b and the respective one of thirdand fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b to which they arehingedly connected.

The second top end closure flap 30 b/30 d is secured to the third andfourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b.

The second lower top end closure flap 30 d is folded upwardly, out of,or away from, an end closing position, with respect to the second uppertop end closure flap 30 b about the fold line 57 b as illustrated inFIG. 7. In this way the lower limb portions 80 b, 96 b of the third andfourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b and adjacent portions ofthe main body of each of the third and fourth upper side end closureflaps 26 b, 34 b are exposed.

The handle flap 60 serves as a retention member, holding each of thethird and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b in their foldedpositions as shown in FIG. 7. The tongue 67 of the handle flap 60 isdisposed in overlying or overlapping relationship with the third andfourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b.

The handle flap 60 engages with the projections or lobes 83 b, 95 b ofthe third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the outer surfaceof the lower limb portions 80 b, 96 b of the third and fourth upper sideend closure flaps 26 b, 34 b and/or to the outer surface of saidadjacent portions of the main body of each of the third and fourth upperside end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively glueor other adhesive treatment may be applied to the inner surface of thesecond lower top end closure flap 30 d.

The outer surfaces of each of the third and fourth upper side endclosure flaps 26 b, 34 b provide a glue area or region. The glue areasof the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b aresecured to the inside surface of the second lower top end closure flap30 d.

The glue areas of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26b, 34 b are disposed below the handle opening O, as shown on FIG. 4.

The inside surface of the third upper side end closure flap 26 bopposing the glue area is disposed substantially in face-contactingarrangement along its inside surface with at least one of the bottles Bdisposed within the carton 90.

The inside surface of the fourth upper side end closure flap 34 bopposing the glue area is disposed substantially in face-contactingarrangement along its inside surface with at least one of the bottles Bdisposed within the carton 90.

In this way the endmost bottles in the carton 90 may be securely held bythe carton 90. Further the endmost bottles in the carton 90 mayfacilitate construction of the carton 90 by serving as a brace orbackstop against which the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps26 b, 34 b may engage or press, as a force or pressure is applied to thesecond lower top end closure flap 30 d during a gluing or other assemblyprocess.

The third and fourth upper side end closure flaps 26 b, 34 b engage withthe main body portion M of a respective article B.

The second lower top end closure flap 30 d (distal glue flap) is foldeddownwardly, into, or towards, an end closing position, with respect tothe second upper top end closure flap 30 b about the fold line 57 b. Thedistal glue flap 30 d is brought into face contacting relationship withthe lower limb portions 80 b, 96 b and said adjacent portions of themain body of each of the third and fourth upper side end closure flaps26 b, 34 b so as to secure them together.

The third and fourth lower side end closure flaps 24 b, 36 b along withthe third and fourth gusset panels 42 b, 44 b, when present, are foldedabout the fold lines 25 b, 37 b, 43 b, 47 b. The third lower side endclosure flap 24 b may be secured to the fourth lower side end closureflap 36 b. In some embodiments the third and fourth lower side endclosure flaps 24 b, 36 b may be dimensioned so as to be arranged in anat least partial overlapping arrangement. Glue or other adhesivetreatment may be applied to one of the third and fourth lower side endclosure flaps 24 b, 36 b so as to secure them together.

Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the third and fourthlower side end closure flaps 24 b, 36 b or to the second bottom endclosure flap 38 b.

The second bottom end closure flap 38 b is folded about fold line 39 bso as to be brought up into face contacting relationship with the thirdand fourth lower side end closure flaps 24 b, 36 b.

The second bottom end closure flap 38 b is secured to the third andfourth lower side end closure flaps 24 b, 36 b.

The assembled carton 90 is shown in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates the handle structure of the carton 90 in a deployedcondition. The handle flap has been folded inwardly of the carton 90.

FIG. 4 shows that the lower limbs 80 b, 96 b are arranged such that anend edge of the lower limb 80 b abuts an end edge of the lower limb 96b.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an additional embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment like numeralshave, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with theaddition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong tothe second embodiment.

Turning to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a blank 110 for forming acarton, of the fully enclosed type, according to a second embodiment.The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118,120 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 112,114, 116, 118, 120 comprises a securing panel 112, a top panel 114, afirst side panel 116, a base panel 118 and a second side panel 120. Theplurality of panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 may be arranged in a linearseries hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 113, 115, 117,119.

The blank 110 comprises at least one end closure structure for at leastpartially closing an end of a tubular structure defined by the pluralityof panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 118, 120.

In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is provided forat least partially closing each end of the tubular structure.

The blank 110 comprises at least one end closure structure for at leastpartially closing an end of a tubular structure defined by the pluralityof panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 118, 120.

In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is provided forat least partially closing each end of the tubular structure.

Each of the end closure structures is substantially the same inconstruction and will be described in further detail by reference to afirst end closure structure.

The blank 110 comprises a first end closure structure comprising aplurality of end closure panels 122 a, 144 a, 124 a, 148 a, 126 a, 128a, 150 a.

The first end closure structure comprises a first top end closure flap122 a hingedly connected to the top panel 114 by a fold line 123 a.

The first end closure structure comprises a first bottom end closureflap 126 a hingedly connected to the base panel 118 by a fold line 129a.

The first end closure structure comprises a first upper side end closureflap 144 a coupled to the first side panel 116. The first upper side endclosure flap 144 a may be coupled to the first side panel 116 by a firstcorner panel 148 a. The first upper side end closure flap 144 a ishingedly connected to the first corner panel 148 a by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 151 a.

The first end closure structure comprises a first lower side end closureflap 124 a coupled to the first side panel 116. The first lower side endclosure flap 124 a may be coupled to the first side panel 116 by thefirst corner panel 148 a. The first lower side end closure flap 124 a ishingedly connected to the first corner panel 148 a by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 153 a.

The first corner panel 148 a is hingedly connected to the first sidepanel 116 by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of divergentlyarranged fold lines 125 a, 127 a.

Optionally, a first web panel 138 a is hingedly connected to the firsttop end closure flap 122 a along a first side edge thereof by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 145 a. The first web panel 138 ais hingedly connected to a second web panel 140 a by a hinged connectionin the form of a fold line 147 a. Fold line 147 a is arranged to becollinear with fold line 115 hinging the top panel 114 to the first sidepanel 116.

The second web panel 140 a is hingedly connected to the first upper sideend closure flap 144 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line149 a.

The first lower side end closure flap 124 a is hingedly connected to thefirst upper side end closure flap 144 a by a hinged connection in theform of a fold line 159 a.

The first upper side end closure flap 144 a comprises a main bodyportion and a lower limb portion 180 a. A recess or cutaway portion isstruck from or defined by the first upper side end closure flap 144 a.The recess defines an upper edge of the lower limb portion 180 a.

An optional relief aperture A1 is provided proximate a first corner ofthe top panel 114. The first relief aperture A1 defines a portion of thefirst side edge of the first top end closure flap 122 a, and forms afree side edge thereof. That is to say, said portion of the first sideedge of the first top end closure flap 122 a is not hinged to anotherpanel. The relief aperture A1 spaces the first and second web panels 138a, 140 a from the first corner of the top panel 114. The relief apertureA1 spaces apart the first top end closure flap 122 a and the first upperside end closure flap 144 a.

The first end closure structure may comprise a second upper side endclosure flap 150 a coupled to the second upper side panel 120.

The second upper side end closure flap 150 a may be coupled to thesecond side panel 120 by a second corner panel 158 a. The second upperside end closure flap 150 a is hingedly connected to the second cornerpanel 158 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 165 a.

The first end closure structure comprises a second lower side endclosure flap 128 a coupled to the second side panel 120. The secondlower side end closure flap 128 a may be coupled to the second sidepanel 120 by the second corner panel 158 a. The second lower side endclosure flap 128 a is hingedly connected to the second corner panel 158a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 161 a.

The second corner panel 158 a is hingedly connected to the second sidepanel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a pair of divergentlyarranged fold lines 131 a, 133 a.

Optionally, a third web panel 136 a is hingedly connected to the firsttop end closure flap 122 a along a second side edge thereof by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 143 a. The first web panel 136 ais hingedly connected to a glue flap panel 134 a by a hinged connectionin the form of a fold line 141 a. Fold line 141 a is arranged to becollinear with fold line 113 hinging the top panel 114 to the securingpanel 112.

A fourth web panel 154 a is hingedly connected to the second upper sideend closure flap 150 a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line167 a. The fourth web panel 154 a is configured to be secured to theglue flap panel 134 a such that the third web panel 136 a is hingedlycoupled to the fourth web panel 154 a.

The second lower side end closure flap 128 a is hingedly connected tothe second upper side end closure flap 150 a by a hinged connection inthe form of a fold line 163 a.

The second upper side end closure flap 150 a comprises a main bodyportion and a lower limb portion 182 a. A recess or cutaway portion isstruck from or defined by the second upper side end closure flap 150 a.The recess defines an upper edge of the lower limb portion 182 a.

An optional relief cutaway is provided proximate an upper corner of thesecond side panel 120.

The glue flap panel 134 a is coupled to the securing panel 112 by a pairof gusset panels 130 a, 132 a. A first gusset panel 130 a is hingedlyconnected to the securing panel 112 by a hinged connection in the formof a fold line 135 a. The first gusset panel 130 a is hingedly connectedto a second gusset panel 132 a by a hinged connection in the form of afold line 137 a. The second gusset panel 132 a is hingedly connected tothe glue flap panel 134 a by a hinged connection in the form of a foldline 139 a.

The blank 110 comprises at least one handle structure H1, H2. The firsttop end closure panel 122 a comprises a first handle structure H1. Thefirst handle structure H1 is struck from or defined within the first topend closure panel 122 a. The first handle structure H1 comprises ahandle opening defined at least in part by a pair of handle flaps 184 a,186 a. Each of the pair of handle flaps 184 a, 186 a is hingedlyconnected to the first top end closure panel 122 a by a respectivehinged connection in the form of fold lines 181 a, 183 a. The fold line181 a is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 183 a.

A first handle flap 184 a is separated from a second handle flap by acutline 185. The first handle flap 184 a may comprise a fold line 187 aextending from the cutline 185 to a free edge opposing the hingedconnection defined by the fold line 181 a. The second handle flap 186 amay comprise a fold line 189 a extending from the cutline 185 to a freeedge opposing the hinged connection defined by the fold line 183 a. Thefold line 187 a is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line189 a.

The blank 110 comprises handle reinforcing flaps 142 a, 146 a, 142 b,146 b, 152 a, 156 a, 152 b, 156 b.

The second web panel 140 a comprises a first handle reinforcing flap 142a hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of afold line 155 a.

The first upper side end closure flap 144 a comprises a second handlereinforcing flap 146 a hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connectionin the form of a fold line 157 a.

The fourth web panel 154 a comprises a third handle reinforcing flap 156a hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of afold line 159 a.

The second upper side end closure flap 150 a comprises a fourth handlereinforcing flap 152 a hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connectionin the form of a fold line 171 a.

Turning to the construction of the carton 190 as illustrated in FIG. 7,the carton 190 can be formed by a series of sequential foldingoperations in a straight line machine so that the carton 190 is notrequired to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. Thefolding process is not limited to that described below and may bealtered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

The blank 110 is folded about the fold line 115 so as to bring top panel114 into face contacting relationship with the first side panel 116. Theblank 110 is also folded about the fold lines 147 a, 147 b which arecollinear with the fold line 115.

Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the securing panel112 and to the glue flaps 134 a, 134 b or corresponding regions of thesecond side panel 120 and the web panels 154 a, 154 b.

The blank 110 is folded about the fold line 119 so as to bring thesecond side panel 120 into overlying relationship with the base panel118. A portion of the second side panel 120 is brought into facecontacting relationship with the securing panel 112. Portions of the webpanels 154 a, 154 b are brought into face contacting relationship withrespective glue flaps 134 a, 134 b.

The second side panel 120 is secured to the securing panel 112. The webpanel 154 a is secured to the glue flap 134 a. The web panel 154 b issecured to the glue flap 134 b.

In this way a flat collapsed carton is formed, the carton in this flatcollapsed form is readily shipped or transported.

The flat collapsed carton may be erected into a tubular form byunfolding, about fold line 119, the second side panel 120 with respectto the base panel 118 so as to be disposed substantially perpendicularthereto.

The erected carton 190 may be loaded with articles through one or bothopen ends. In some embodiments one of the open ends may be closed priorto loading with articles.

Each of the open ends of the carton 190 is closed by folding the endclosures structures, and will be described with reference to the firstend closure structure, assembly of the second end closure structurebeing is the same as that of the first end closure structure.

The first upper side end closure flap 144 a and the first lower side endclosure flap 124 a are folded about the fold lines 151 a, 153 arespectively. The first upper side end closure flap 144 a and the firstlower side end closure flap 124 a form a first side end closure panel144 a/124 a. The first corner panel 148 a is folded about the fold lines125 a, 127 a.

The second upper side end closure flap 150 a and the second lower sideend closure flap 128 a are folded about the fold lines 165 a, 161 arespectively. The second upper side end closure flap 150 a and thesecond lower side end closure flap 128 a form a second side end closurepanel 150 a/128 a. The second corner panel 158 a is folded about thefold lines 131 a, 133 a.

As a consequence of folding the first and second side end closure panels144 a/124 a, 150 a/128 a the top end closure flap 122 a is foldeddownwardly. The top end closure flap 122 a is folded automatically dueto being coupled to each of the first and second side end closure panels144 a/124 a, 150 a/128 a by the web panels 138 a, 140 a and the webpanels 136 a, 154 a respectively.

The top end closure flap 122 a is folded downwardly, the web panels 138a, 140 a are brought into face to face relationship with the first upperside end closure panel 144 a, by folding about the fold lines 145 a, 149a.

The web panels 136 a, 154 a are brought into face to face relationshipwith the second upper side end closure panel 150 a by folding about thefold lines 143 a, 167 a.

Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface ofthe first top end closure flap 122 a or an inner surface of the bottomend closure flap 126 a.

The bottom end closure flap 126 a is folded upwardly about the fold line129 a and brought in face contacting relationship with the first top endclosure flap 122 a. The bottom end closure flap 126 a is disposed inpartial overlapping relationship with the first top end closure flap 122a. The bottom end closure flap 126 a is secured to the first top endclosure flap 122 a.

In some embodiments, the bottom end closure flap 126 a may be adhesivelysecured to one or both of the first and second lower end closure flaps124 a, 128 a.

FIG. 7 illustrates an internal view of the first end closure structurein an assembled condition. The contents of the carton 90 have beenomitted for illustrative purposes. The carrying handle H1 is shown in adeployed or use condition.

The handle flaps 184 a, 186 a have been folded internally of the carton90. The first handle reinforcing flap 142 a and the second handlereinforcing flap 146 a have been folded internally as a consequence offolding the second handle flap 186 a. The third handle reinforcing flap156 a and the fourth handle reinforcing flap 152 a have been foldedinternally as a consequence of folding the first handle flap 184 a.

The first handle reinforcing flap 142 a, the second handle reinforcingflap 146 a and the second handle flap 186 a together with the thirdhandle reinforcing flap 156 a, the fourth handle reinforcing flap 152 aand the first handle flap 184 a form an inverted “V” shaped handlestructure.

The first handle reinforcing flap 142 a and the second handlereinforcing flap 146 a reinforce a first portion of the carrying handleH1. The third handle reinforcing flap 156 a and the fourth handlereinforcing flap 152 a reinforce a second portion of the carrying handleH1.

Together the first handle reinforcing flap 142 a, the second handlereinforcing flap 146 a, the third handle reinforcing flap 156 a and thefourth handle reinforcing flap 152 a provide a reinforcing member acrossthe entirety of an engaging edge of the carrying handle H1 defined bythe fold lines 181 a, 183 a.

FIG. 7a illustrates the carrying handle H1 in an initial, undeployed orstowed condition. The first handle reinforcing flap 142 a and the secondhandle reinforcing flap 146 a are arranged such that their upper edges,defined by the fold lines 155 a, 157 a, are disposed substantially inregistry with the fold line 183 a defining an upper edge of the secondhandle flap 184 a. The third handle reinforcing flap 156 a and thefourth handle reinforcing flap 152 a are arranged such that their upperedges, defined by the fold lines 169 a, 171 a, are disposedsubstantially in registry with the fold line 181 a defining an upperedge of the first handle flap 184 a.

The ends of the first handle reinforcing flap 142 a and the secondhandle reinforcing flap 146 a may be arranged to overlap with the endsof the third handle reinforcing flap 156 a and the fourth handlereinforcing flap 152 a.

In the assembled condition the first and second web panels 140 a, 138 aare substantially coplanar; that is to say they are unfolded withrespect to each other. The first and second web panels 140 a, 138 a maybe considered to be a unitary panel coupling the first top end closureflap 122 a to the first upper side end closure flap 144 a.

In the assembled condition the third and fourth web panels 136 a, 154 aare substantially coplanar, that is to say they are unfolded withrespect to each other. The third and fourth web panels 136 a, 154 a maybe considered to be a unitary panel coupling the first top end closureflap 122 a to the second upper side end closure flap 150 a.

The present disclosure provides a carton for packaging articles. Thecarton comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubularstructure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing anend of the tubular structure. The end closure structure comprises a topend closure flap having a handle opening and a side end closure flap anda web panel coupling the top end closure flap to the side end closureflap. The web panel is hingedly connected to the side end closure flapalong a first fold line. The web panel comprises a handle-reinforcingedge which extends along at least part of a load-bearing or engagingedge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded to take a“tucked” or “sandwiched” position between the top and side end closureflaps and wherein the handle-reinforcing edge extends, directly, fromthe lower end of the first fold line.

The lower or distal end of the first fold line is located substantiallyon, or at, the load-bearing edge of the handle opening.

The first fold line is disposed at an acute angle with respect to asecond fold line between the top end closure flap and the top panel whenthe carton is erected.

The present disclosure may be particularly advantageous in cartonsconfigured to be loaded with one or two rows of articles (FIG. 5illustrates a carton 90 comprising two rows of articles B. A compactreinforcement member is provided. The structure allows the top endclosure flap comprising the handle opening to extend across asubstantial (greater than 50%, optionally greater than 60%) of portionof the end of the carton 90. In this way the top end closure flapprovides adequate material for the provision of the handle opening.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scopeof the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panelsand apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing sizeor shape.

In some embodiments, the fold lines 15 and 21 may extend into the cornerpanels 40 a, 40 b, 50 a, 50 b.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references suchas “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”,“outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respectivepanels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish thesepanels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer toall manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitatefolding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwiseindicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to“hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring toa single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed fromtwo or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may beeither straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear foldlines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with eachother or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinearfold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other todefine a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear foldlines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pairof arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such thatthey define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may beformed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinearfold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise acombination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold linewhich intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shapedpanel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following:a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line ofperforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a singlehalf-cut, an interrupted outline, a line of aligned slits, a line ofscores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can eachinclude elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank includingperforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line ofhalf-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits,scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can bedimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. Forexample, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed withdegrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. Theline of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resistbreaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with moreeffort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment oftwo or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed ina first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in asecond of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with eachother may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thicknessof the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a firstpanel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that isplaced in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge ofthe aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of thesecond aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness ofthe first and second panels, with the second aperture.

1. A carton for packaging articles comprising a plurality of primarypanels for forming a tubular structure and an end closure structure forat least partially closing an end of the tubular structure, the primarypanels include a top panel, the end closure structure comprising a topend closure flap having a handle opening, a first side end closure flapand a web panel coupling the top end closure flap to the first side endclosure flap, wherein the web panel is hingedly connected to the firstside end closure flap along a first fold line, and wherein the web panelcomprises a handle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part ofan engaging edge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded intoposition between the top and first side end closure flaps and whereinthe first fold line is disposed at an acute angle with respect to asecond fold line between the top end closure flap and the top panel whenthe carton is erected.
 2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein thehandle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end of the first foldline.
 3. A carton according to claim 2 wherein a distal end of the firstfold line is located on the engaging edge of the handle opening.
 4. Acarton according to claim 2 wherein a lower end of the first fold lineis located at the engaging edge of the handle opening.
 5. A cartonaccording to claim 1 wherein the engaging edge provides a load-bearingcontact when the carrying handle is in use.
 6. A carton according toclaim 1 wherein the engaging edge of the handle opening is defined by atleast one handle flap fold line defining a hinged connection between acushioning flap and the top end closure flap.
 7. A carton according toclaim 1 wherein the end closure structure comprises a second side endclosure flap and a second web panel coupling the top end closure flap tothe second side end closure flap, wherein the second web panel ishingedly connected to the second side end closure flap along a thirdfold line, and wherein the second web panel comprises a secondhandle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part of theengaging edge of the handle opening when the second web panel is foldedinto position between the top and second side end closure flaps andwherein the third fold line is disposed at an acute angle with respectto the second fold line when the carton is erected.
 8. A blankcomprising a plurality of primary panels for forming walls of a tubularstructure and a plurality of end closure panels for forming an endclosure structure for at least partially closing an end of the tubularstructure, the primary panels include a top panel, the plurality of endclosure panels comprising a top end closure panel having a handleopening, a first side end closure panel and a web panel for coupling thetop end closure panel to the first side end closure panel, wherein theweb panel is arranged to be hingedly connected along a first fold lineto the first side end closure panel, and wherein the web panel comprisesa handle-reinforcing edge, the handle-reinforcing edge is configured toextend along at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening ina set up carton when the web panel is folded into position between thetop and first side end closure panels and wherein the first fold line isdisposed at an obtuse angle with respect to a second fold line betweenthe top end closure flap and the top panel.
 9. A carton for packagingarticles comprising a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubularstructure and an end closure structure for at least partially closing anend of the tubular structure, the end closure structure comprising a topend closure flap having a handle opening, a first side end closure flapand a web panel coupling the top end closure flap to the first side endclosure flap, wherein the web panel is hingedly connected to the firstside end closure flap along a first fold line, and wherein the web panelcomprises a handle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part ofan engaging edge of the handle opening when the web panel is folded intoposition between the top and first side end closure flaps and whereinthe handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end of the first foldline.
 10. A carton according to claim 9 wherein a distal end of thefirst fold line is located on the engaging edge of the handle opening.11. A carton according to claim 9 wherein a lower end of the first foldline is located at the engaging edge of the handle opening.
 12. A cartonaccording to claim 9 wherein the primary panels include a top panel towhich the top end closure panel is hingedly connected along a secondfold line, and wherein the first fold line is disposed at an acute anglewith respect to the second fold line when the carton is erected.
 13. Acarton according to claim 9 wherein the engaging edge provides aload-bearing contact when the carrying handle is in use.
 14. A cartonaccording to claim 9 wherein the engaging edge of the handle opening isdefined by at least one handle flap fold line defining a hingedconnection between a cushioning flap and the top end closure flap.
 15. Acarton according to claim 9 wherein the end closure structure comprisesa second side end closure flap and a second web panel coupling the topend closure flap to the second side end closure flap, wherein the secondweb panel is hingedly connected to the second side end closure flapalong a third fold line, and wherein the second web panel comprises asecond handle-reinforcing edge which extends along at least part of theengaging edge of the handle opening when the second web panel is foldedinto position between the top and second side end closure flaps andwherein the second handle-reinforcing edge extends from the lower end ofthe third fold line.
 16. A carton according to claim 15 wherein theengaging edge of the handle opening is defined in part by a first handleflap fold line coupling a first handle flap to the top end closure flapand in part by a second handle flap fold line coupling a second handleflap to the top end closure flap.
 17. A carton according to claim 15wherein the handle-reinforcing edge is defined in part by a first handlereinforcing flap fold line defining a hinged connection between a firsthandle reinforcing flap and the first side end closure flap.
 18. Acarton according to claim 15 wherein the handle-reinforcing edge isdefined in part by a second handle reinforcing flap fold line defining ahinged connection between a second handle reinforcing flap and thesecond side end closure flap.
 19. A carton according to claim 9 whereinthe first side end closure flap comprises a handle reinforcing flaphinged thereto by a handle reinforcing flap fold line.
 20. A cartonaccording to claim 15 wherein the second side end closure flap comprisesa second handle reinforcing flap hinged thereto by a second handlereinforcing flap fold line.
 21. A blank comprising a plurality ofprimary panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and a pluralityof end closure panels for forming an end closure structure for at leastpartially closing an end of the tubular structure, the plurality of endclosure panels comprising a top end closure panel having a handleopening, a first side end closure panel and a web panel for coupling thetop end closure panel to the first side end closure panel, wherein theweb panel is arranged to be hingedly connected along a first fold lineto the first side end closure panel, and wherein the web panel comprisesa handle-reinforcing edge, the handle-reinforcing edge is configured toextend along at least part of an engaging edge of the handle opening ina set up carton when the web panel is folded into position between thetop and first side end closure panels and wherein the handle-reinforcingedge extends from the lower end of the first fold line.